Jesse Jackson Jr. pleads guilty to fraud

'For years I lived off my campaign,' says son of civil rights activist

3:05 PM,
Feb. 20, 2013

Jesse Jackson Jr. arrives for his appearance in federal court Wednesday in Washington, D.C. He pleaded guilty to using more than $750,000 in campaign donations for personal expenses. Jackson faces up to five years in prison.

Written by

USA Today
Gannett

WASHINGTON - Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday to using campaign money to buy more than $750,000 worth of luxury items, collectibles and clothes.

Jackson, the son of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, entered his guilty plea in U.S. District Court and now faces up to five years in prison. He is expected to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

His wife, Sandi, a former Chicago alderman face a separate felon charge for filing false tax returns over six years. She will appear in court in Washington later Wednesday and is also expected to enter a guilty plea. ...